Delhi High Court seeks CBI response on Lalu Prasad Yadav plea in IRCTC scam, refuses to halt trial

The Delhi High Court on January 5, 2026, asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has challenged the framing of charges against him in the IRCTC corruption case.

However, the court made it clear that the trial will not be stayed at this stage, saying it cannot intervene without first examining the investigative agency’s reply.

Court’s direction and next hearing

A Bench led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued formal notice to the CBI and listed the matter for further hearing on January 14.

The judge declined interim relief to Yadav, observing that the High Court must first assess the prosecution’s response before considering any pause in proceedings.

Background of the case

The challenge relates to an order passed by a Delhi trial court on October 13, 2025, which framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and 11 other accused.

The case centres on alleged irregularities in awarding Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation hotel contracts at Ranchi and Puri during Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister.

The trial court had described the alleged land and share transfers as “possibly an instance of crony capitalism”, suggesting misuse of public office under the guise of private participation in railway infrastructure.

Charges framed

The accused face charges under:

• Section 420 IPC for cheating

• Section 120B IPC for criminal conspiracy

• Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d)(ii) and (iii) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, relating to abuse of official position for undue advantage

Besides the Yadav family, charges were also framed against Pradeep Kumar Goel, Rakesh Saksena, Bhupendra Kumar Agarwal, Rakesh Kumar Gogia, Vinod Kumar Asthana, and several associated companies and individuals.

Under the law, offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act carry a maximum sentence of 10 years, while cheating under the IPC can lead to up to seven years of imprisonment.

Why this matters now

The High Court’s refusal to stall the trial signals that judicial scrutiny will continue without delay, keeping one of India’s most politically sensitive corruption cases firmly in motion.

With Tejashwi Yadav currently playing a key political role in Bihar, the proceedings carry significant political and governance implications, particularly as the case tests accountability for alleged misuse of ministerial power.

What to watch next

• CBI’s response to Lalu Yadav’s challenge

• Whether the High Court finds grounds to interfere with the trial court’s order

• The impact of continued proceedings on national and state-level political dynamics